As November 11 approaches, students and teachers in schools throughout Newfoundland and Labrador will honour those who gave their lives for peace and freedom. Today, the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education, thanked all educators and volunteers who each year help to ensure the province�s young people never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

"The men and women in our armed forces fought and died for the freedoms we now take for granted," said Minister Burke. "Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have a responsibility to learn and remember what their sacrifice meant.

"Throughout the province, schools have created web pages, designed presentations and invited guest speakers into the schools. They will watch documentaries or music videos. All will have Remembrance Day events to ensure our students can better understand the tragedies of the past century."

The minister also noted that, in schoolrooms throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, there are students whose parents � or even themselves � remember war. Some experienced the ordeal of escaping regional conflicts and came to Canada to live in peace. Here, these young people enjoy the freedom that was bought at such a great price decades ago.

"We must also remember all those across the globe who do not enjoy the basic human rights we take for granted. There are those still living through the ravages of war and there are brave Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who daily put their lives on the line to help rid the world of conflict. They are the peacekeepers who try to help those living with the daily nightmare of war. I know our students also remember them and hope for their safe return home as they commemorate November 11," said the minister.

The minister extended her sincere thanks to the teachers, staff, volunteers and school administrators who every year ensure their students participate in Remembrance Day activities, and show their respect for the brave women and men who gave their lives in service to their country.

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Media contact:
Jacquelyn Howard
Director of Communications
Department of Education
709-729-0048, 689-2624
jacquelynhoward@gov.nl.ca